Difference between Snoring and Sleep Apnea: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment Options
Sleep is an integral part of our living. Good quality sleep ensures a healthy body and mind. However, not everyone experiences sound sleep. One third of the population suffers from snoring, causing discomfort not only to themselves but also to others. Snoring usually becomes more serious with age and can lead to adverse medical conditions.
What Causes Snoring?
Snoring occurs when the flow of air through the mouth and nose is physically obstructed. Air needs to pass through the passages of nose, throat and back of the tongue to enter the windpipe and lungs to ensure sufficient oxygen supply for the body. If any of the passages are narrow, adjoining soft tissues of the throat and tongue collapse, leading to vibration and subsequent sound of snoring.
What is Sleep Apnea?
The collapse of the soft tissues of the throat and tongue can be severe, resulting in obstruction of the flow of air into the lungs. This can lead to futile attempts of breathing, causing a drop in the oxygen levels in the body, especially at night. This period of no breathing at night is commonly called Apnea and the medical condition is known as Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome (OSAS).
In adults, the most common causes of obstructive sleep apnea, which is associated with soft tissue of the mouth and throat, are excessive weight and obesity. During sleep, when throat and tongue muscles are more relaxed, this soft tissue can cause airway blockage.
Common Symptoms of Obstructive Sleep Apnea are:
• Loud snoring during sleep • Excessive day time sleepiness • Lack of freshness while waking up • Decreased concentration during the day • Attacks of choking in the night (may not be aware and not noticeable to others) • Reduced memory • Irritability • Depression and personality changes • Reduced libido • Hyperactive behavior with reduced attention span (amongst children) • Delayed growth in children • Breathing through the mouth and drooling
Serious Implications
Severe Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome (OSAS) can lead to a potentially life threatening condition requiring immediate medical attention.
• Excessive day time sleepiness - can result in accidents • Heart attack • Strokes and paralysis • Irregular heart beat • High blood pressure
Prevention and Treatment Options for Snoring and Sleep Apnea
Snoring
Snoring often seems like a problem without a solution. However, it can be cured by identifying the cause of this ailment. An ENT surgeon can help in the diagnosis and subsequent treatment of snoring. Surgical options to be explored in refractory cases.
Sleep Apnea
For milder cases of sleep apnea, your doctor may recommend only lifestyle changes, such as losing weight or quitting smoking. If you have nasal allergies, your doctor will recommend treatment for your allergies.
Self Help
• Sleep on your side • Elevate the head of your bed • Limit sleep medication • Avoid alcoholic beverages * Exercise regularly • Lose weight
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